In this month’s feature, we Get to know Procurement Graduate Trainee Louise Dong who recently joined the Hub.
What is your role at the Hub?
I recently joined the Hub as a Procurement Graduate Trainee through the Pathways to NHS Procurement Graduate Scheme. I will be supporting my colleagues with their procurements, gaining experience across multiple areas of the organisation.
What do you anticipate as being the biggest challenge you’ll face in your role?
I started with little prior knowledge in this area. NHS procurement is specialised, with specific rules, regulations and processes, so developing a deep understanding of this would be my challenge. However, the challenge excites me as it will be rewarding to know the intricacies of the system and to put my knowledge into practice during my graduate scheme. My colleagues have been invaluable in supporting me so far!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
A piece of advice that I remember well is: rejection is redirection.
What was your first job?
My family owns a fish and chip shop, so I spent my weekends working there during my GCSEs and A-Levels. Working there does mean I get free fish and chips anytime (even though I don’t particularly like it).
Tell us about your hobbies
I enjoy sketching! I used to do a lot of life drawing when I was deeply interested in fashion design. It helped me understand the shapes of the human body and how different fabrics would drape over it. Even though my focus has shifted since then, sketching is still something I love to do.
What would your dream holiday be?
It would have to be somewhere with lots of history and culture in Asia, which is every country there! My family is from China but other than China, I haven’t explored the other countries in Asia. I would love to try all the different cuisines! The top countries on my list are Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Philippines.